How UNICEF, KCCA intensified Mpox awareness in Kampala and Entebbe
According to a December 2024 Mpox situation report, Uganda has recorded 494 confirmed cases and four deaths across 52 districts, with 64% of cases occurring in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The Ministry of Health (MOH), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and UNICEF Uganda on Sunday ramped up efforts to raise awareness about the Mpox virus across Kampala’s five divisions and Entebbe municipality.
This initiative, part of an ongoing community sensitization drive targeting children, aims to curb the spread of the virus.
The awareness campaigns were primarily conducted in churches, including St. Andrews Church of Uganda Bukoto (Nakawa Division), All Saints Church Buddo, St. Steven’s Church (Nansana Division), Bwaise Pentecostal Church (Kawempe Division), St. Luke’s Church Kibuye, St. Stephen’s Church Lukuli (Makindye Division), Trinity Church Meng, Appointed Harvesters Church, New Jerusalem Restoration Church (Central Division), St. Thomas Kira Church of Uganda, St. Peter’s Nsasa (Kira Division), and Deliverance Church Kigungu (Entebbe municipality).
According to a December 2024 Mpox situation report, Uganda has recorded 494 confirmed cases and four deaths across 52 districts, with 64% of cases occurring in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Mpox is a zoonotic disease originating in wild animals such as squirrels, rats, mice, and monkeys. It spreads to humans through close contact with infected animals and can also spread from person to person through close physical interaction, sharing personal items like clothes or bedding, or sexual contact.
The disease manifests through symptoms such as skin rashes, sore throat, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and general body weakness. Laboratory testing is required for confirmation due to similarities with other illnesses like measles, chickenpox, and scabies.
Moses Muhimbise, head of the Central Division Health Team, highlighted preventive measures. “Mpox is spreading with a Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 0.26%. To protect yourself, wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with infected individuals, refrain from sharing personal items, and avoid contact with wild animals. Vaccination is also available for those exposed to infected persons,” he explained.
Reverend Achipa Patricia Laki, Assistant Vicar of St. Andrew’s Church of Uganda Bukoto, emphasized the seriousness of the virus. “Mpox is real and dangerous, spreading rapidly in communities. Everyone must take precautions to protect themselves and their families,” she urged.
The ongoing campaign, spearheaded by MOH, KCCA, and UNICEF, is part of the ‘Safe Circles’ initiative. It encourages individuals to adopt small, protective actions that keep Mpox out of their lives, emphasizing that such measures lead to lasting protection.
